Angel Witch

Angel Witch

Track Listings

1. Angel Witch

2. Atlantis

3. White Witch

4. Confused

5. Sorcerers

6. Gorgon

7. Sweet Danger

8. Free Man

9. Angel of Death

10. Devil's Tower

11. Loser [*]

12. Suffer [*]

13. Dr. Phibes [*]

Tracks:

Angel Witch
Atlantis
White Witch
Confused
Sorcerers
Gorgon
Sweet Danger
Free Man
Angel of Death
Devil's Tower
Loser [7" Single A-Side][*]
Suffer [Loser 7" Single B-Side][*]
Dr. Phibes [Loser 7" Single B-Side][*]
Flight Nineteen [Sweet Danger, Single B-Side][*]
Baphomet [*]
Hades Paradise [12" Single B-Side][*]
Sweet Danger [#]
Angel of Death [#]
Extermination Day [#]
Angel Witch [#]

Album Details

First Issued in 1980, Angel Witch's Eponymous Debut Draws Heavily Upon Satanic and Witchcraft Imagery with the Band's Sound Displaying a Fiercely Dark Mixture of Gothic Melody Mixed with Weighty Guitar Riffs which Are Comparable to Vintage Black Sabbath. Although Never a Huge Commercial Success, the Album Brought the Band a Loyal Underground Following and Later Inspired the Emerging San Francisco Bay Area Thrash Metal Scene with Bands Like Metallica and Testament Citing Angel Witch as a Major Influence on their Musical Direction. This Nwobhm Classic is Widely Regarded Amongst Fans as the Band's Finest Hour and the Re-mastered Edition Adds a Raft of Bonus Tracks Including the Single, 'loser' Along with Several B-sides. Also Included is the Track 'baphomet' which Appeared on the Legendary Metal for Muthas Album, as Well as a BBC Friday Rock Show Session which was Recorded in March 1980.

Customer Reviews:

Angel Witch - self-titled/25th Anniversary Expanded Edition (Castle Music).......2006-05-09

Silly me,this isn't merely ANOTHER pressing of the 'Resurrection' import CD(see my review)that I assumed it was JUST BECAUSE it features the very same cover.Turns out that it's a reissue of the stunning 1980 self-titled debut from the beloved underdogs of the NWOBHM movement.You get the lp's original ten scorchers,plus ten(10)...count them,bonus cuts extra that are of alternative versions,rare b-sides,etc.Very good.An absolute must-have.

A True Classic!.......2006-04-22

This was one of the first ten albums I ever bought. I believe I purchased it back in 1982. I still have that original, beautiful piece of vinyl Justice! I purchased it again on CD a few years ago, and now I have to purchase it again to get these bonus tracks. I will do so willingly because it will definitely be worth it. This is one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time! Their later work wasn't as good, but is still important to own. I liked the live album that came out in the early 90's too!

NWOBHM's finest!.......2006-04-21

It's too bad Angel Witch never got as much publicity as Motorhead, Venom, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Diamond Head, Saxon and Def Leppard. They're one of the best! When I hear bands like Megadeth, Metallica, and Testament--especialy Testament--they sound like a mere reflection of Angel Witch. The melodies, solos, clean tone, and much more makes these guys an important bedrock to be contended with. This album is certainly a gem for anyone interested in thrash and its development. You can't understand thrash without knowing who Angel Witch. Believe me--just ask Dave Mustaine!

A Lost Classick.......2006-04-03

It's sad how many metal fans have never and will never hear this album. This is full-forearm spike band metal from the 80s that just bleeds style and class. Unfortunately this band never achieved much fame and subsequent albums are not of the same caliber. For those with ears to hear...

over rated.......2005-12-25

i've heard all kinds of NWOBHM bands,Chateaux,Savage,Grim Reaper,Diamond Head,Samson,Saxon,Holocaust,Quartz and all the bands that matter and this album really is underwhelming.Confused,Atlantis and Angel Of Death are awesome,but there's nothing on here that's pre-thrash like Holocaust,Raven or Diamond Head.They don't kick butt like the more traditional Saxon or Samson.it is Sabbathy in places,but nothing like Quartz or Witchfinder General,two bands that stomp all over this.Really the only thing that gives this legendary status is that its suppossed to be really satanic,and its not even that.go figure.and after 25 years why can't Kevin come up with an album that doesn't suck,or for that matter an album at all.most people will disagree,but if you buy this,remember"i told you so".

Average customer rating:

Angel Witch
Angel Witch
Manufacturer: Sanctuary UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000NQQ1ZY
Release Date: 2007-04-30

Tracks:

Angel Witch
Atlantis
White Witch
Confused
Sorcerers
Gorgon
Sweet Danger
Free Man
Angel of Death
Devil's Tower

Album Details

Strange to Think that Nwobhm - and this Classic Album of the Genre - Can Possibly Be Over 25 Years Old and it Certainly Doesn't Seem Possible When You Experience the Gothic Power of Angel Witch's 1980 Debut Album, with Its Sabbath-style Riffs and Melodic Finesse.

Average customer rating:

Apres Le Plie
Lisa Harris
Manufacturer: The Orchard
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00006AAUX
Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

Slow Plie 3/4 The Way
Plie 3/4 I Dreamed A Dream
Plie 3/4 On My Own
Slow Tendu 4/4 Castle On A Cloud
Slow Tendu 4/4 Pachelbel's Canon In D
Slow Tendu 4/4 The Strager
Slow Tendu 4/4 New York State Of Mind
Tendu 4/4 Singing In The Rain
Tendu 4/4 Makin' Whoopie
Tendu 4/4 Tarantella
Tendu 4/4 On The Street Where You Live
Tendu 4/4 Honeysuckle Rose
Quicker Tendu 4/4 S'wondering
RDJ 3/4 Stars
RDJ 3/4 Goodnite Saigon
Fondu 3/4 Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Fondu 3/4 He Loves And She Loves
Fondu 3/4 Polovtsian Dance
Frappe 2/4
Petit Battement 2/4 I Won't Dance
Petit Battement 2/4 C Minor
Petit Battement 2/4 D Major
Petit Battement 2/4 A Minor
Petit Battement 2/4 Stop Time
Petit Battement 2/4 Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead
Adagio 3/4 Theme And Variations
Adagio 3/4 Unexpected Song
Adagio 3/4 This Masquerade
Adagio 3/4 Sleeping Beauty
Adagio 3/4 Bayadere
Stretch 3/4 I've Never Been In Love Before
Grand Battement 4/4 Climb Every Mountain
Port De Bras 4/4 Tell Me On A Sunday
Port De Bras 6/8
Adagio 3/4 Yesterday
Adagio 4/4 Papa You Can Hear Me
Tendu 4/4 Can't We Be Friends
Tendu 4/4 Theme And Variations
Tendu 4/4 Lady Be Good
Tendu 4/4 Paper Moon
Slow Pirouette 3/4 Alice/Skating In Central Park
Slow Pirouette 3/4 Angel Eyes
Pirouette 3/4 I'll Take Romance
Piroutte 3/4 Etudes
Pirouette 3/4 Carmen
Pirouette 3/4 When I'm Dancing
Tango Pirouette 4/4 Tango Medly
Tango Pirouette 4/4 Begin The Beguine
Jump 6/8 Ballet Mix
Jump 4/4 C Jump
Jump 6/8 C Jump
Jump 4/4 Rodeo
Boys Jump Polka In C
Girl's Jump Pas De Deux
Big Waltz Ballet Extravaganza

Average customer rating:

Angel Witch - 'Live' (Capitol/Enigma)

Live
Angel Witch
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000DTOE
Release Date: 1990-02-14

Customer Reviews:

Angel Witch - 'Live' (Capitol/Enigma).......2004-04-19

If my memory serves me correctly,this was the SECOND disc I ever got.Had to dig it up out of an old stack of other CD's as I haven't heard it in some time.Actually had almost forgotten as to HOW good it really is.'Live' was recorded from a couple of gigs that took place at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in 1989.The mix is really quite good as the obscure UK metal outfit runs through MOST of the tunes from their classic 1980 self-titled debut,like "Sweet Danger","Gorgon",the slower tempo number "Sorceress","Atlantis" and others.A couple of the band's singles are included,"Extermination Day" and "Baphomet".Between songs,one can EASILY notice AW's founder vocalist/guitarist Kevin Heybourne's thick British accent.Overall 'Live' showcases some metal with some tasteful melodies intact.Very cool cover.

Average customer rating:

The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00004SSJR
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

The Mikado: Overture
The Mikado: A Wandering Minstrel I
The Mikado: Our Great Mikado, Virtuous Man
The Mikado: Young Man, Despair
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner!...Taken From The County Jail
The Mikado: As Some Day It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: Were You Not To Ko-Ko Plighted
The Mikado: I Am So Proud
The Mikado: The Sun, Whose Rays
The Mikado: Here's A How-De-Do!
The Mikado: Miya Sama (Entrance Of The Mikado)
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried
The Mikado: See How The Fates Their Gifts Allot
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
The Mikado: Alone, And Yet Alive!...Hearts Do Not Break!
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
Trail By Jury: The Learned Jungle
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Litttle Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Gallant Crew...I Am The Captain Of The Pinafore
Sorry Her Lot Who Loves Too Well
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad I Served A Term

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: Fair Moon, To Thee I Sing
H.M.S. Pinafore: Things Are Seldom What They Seem
H.M.S. Pinafore: The Hours Creep On Apace
H.M.S. Pinafore: Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
The Pirates Of Penzance: Oh, Better Far To Live And Die
The Pirates Of Penzance: Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast
The Pirates Of Penzance: Poor Wandering One!
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When The Foeman Bears His Steel
The Pirates Of Penzance: Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat-Like Tread
Patience: The Soldiers Of Our Queen...If You Want A Receipt For That Popular Mystery
Patience: Am I Alone And Unobserved...If You're Anxious For To Shine
Patience: Sad Is That Woman's Lot...Silvered Is The Raven Hair
Patience: A Magnet Hung In A Hardware Shop
Patience: Love Is A Plaintive Song
Patience: So Go To Him And Say To Him
Patience: When I Go Out Of Door
Patience: After Much Debate (Finale Act 2)
Iolanthe: When I Went To The Bar As A Very Young Man
The Lady Of My Love...(Finale Act 1)

Tracks:

When All Night Long A Chap Remains
When Britain Really Ruled The Waves
When You're Lying Awake With A Dismal Headache
If You Go In, You're Sure To Win
Ruddigore: My Boy, May Take It From Me
Ruddigore: The Battle's Roar Is Over
Ruddigore: In Sailing O'er Life's Ocean Wide
Ruddigore: You Understand?
Ruddigore: When The Night Wind Howls
Ruddigore: My Eyes Are Fully Open
Ruddigore: There Grew A Little Flower
The Gondoliers: We're Called Gondolieri
The Gondoliers: From The Sunny Spanish Shore...In Enterprise Of Martial Kind
The Gondoliers: I Stole The Prince
The Gondoliers: When A Merry Maiden Marries
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
The Gondoliers: Dance A Cachucha, Fandango, Bolero
The Gondoliers: There Lived A King, As I've Been Told
The Gondoliers: I Am A Courtier Grave And Serious
The Yeoman Of The Guard: I Have A Song To Sing, O!
The Yeoman Of The Guard: How You Say Maiden, Will You Wed
The Yeoman Of The Guard: Where I Thy Bride
The Yeoman Of The Guard: Oh! A Private Buffoon Is A Light Hearted Loon
The Yeoman Of The Guard: Comes The Pretty Young Bride

Average customer rating:

Angel Witch - '2000:Live At LA 2' (Zoom Club) 3 1/2 stars
Great, but where's the new album?

2000: Live at LA2
Angel Witch
Manufacturer: Zoom Club
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000506EN
Release Date: 2000-10-03

Tracks:

Atlantis
Confused
Twist of the Knife
Gorgon
White Witch
Sorceress
Extermination Day
Psychopathic
Baphomet
Angel of Death
Guitar Solo
Angel Witch

Album Description

Recorded on May 26th, 2000 at London's Astoria 2 theatre. The first product from Kevin Heybourne's new Angel Witch line-up. Tracks includes old favorites, 'Angel Of Death', 'Angel Witch and new tracks, 'Twist Of The Knife' and 'Psychopathic'. CD 2 is a Video CD containing video footage of Angel Witch performing, 'White Witch', 'Baphomet' and 'Angel Of Death' at the Astoria show. 2000 release. Slimline double jewel case.

Customer Reviews:

Angel Witch - '2000:Live At LA 2' (Zoom Club) 3 1/2 stars.......2006-04-12

Twelve track CD release by none other than the notorious UK metal merchants, Angel Witch. A good effort,but it's too similar to their 1990 'Live' title put out on Metal Blade. Bet most of you remember that disc. Recorded in May, 2000 at London's Astoria Theatre. Must admit it was fun to fully experience once again cuts like "Atlantis", "Confused", the gothic-like "Gorgon", "White Witch", the eerie "Sorceress", "Angel Of Death" and the band's namesake "Angel Witch". The guitar solo is also pretty well done. Guess AW main man / mastermind Kevin Heybourne simply refuses to give up on the business. I only wish I could see Angel Witch play sometime. Always thought they were like, MAYBE a second rate Motorhead. Semi-recommended.

Great, but where's the new album?.......2001-10-11

The Angel Witch mini-history - we had the incredible debut (plus assorted singles) from years gone by (OK, 1980), followed by 2 so-so albums in the mid 1980's with a different singer ("Screamin and Bleedin" + "Frontal Assault"). In 1989, Kevin Heybourne & co. tour the west coast & release "Live", featuring all the old tunes. Great recording, but all loud & fast, short on dynamics. Throughout the 1990's various demos are recorded, finally released as "Resurrection"...at last, were Angel Witch ready for a "true" follow-up to the debut?
Well..not yet. After plans to re-form the band with Jon Torres & Tom Hunting in San Francisco fell through, Kevin H releases (another) bunch of old demos & live tracks as "Sinister History", then gets (another) new band together (in England this time) and releases - what? Another live album ("Live at the LA2") with all the old stuff (+ 2 songs from "Resurrection")! I mean, I love old Angel Witch, but how many times are we gonna hear this stuff?
As for the album itself, well the recording is EXTREMELY dicey, with little/no guitar on the opening salvo "Atlantis". Things improve somewhat over the course of the CD, but overall, it sounds like the guy behind the sound board had a fight with the band. Anyway, we get (sigh) "Angel Witch","Sorcerers", "Gorgon", etc. All these were on the first live album, I mean, how about "Loser", "Dr Phibes" or "Hades Paradise"? Or even "Free Man"? (a personal fave)
And then there's the 2nd CD, which is supposed to feature live vids of the band. Well, I didn't find any exe, avi or mpeg files (i.e. - executables) there. Disappointing - if anyone figures what the deal is with that, please let me know!
I suppose I nit-pick - in this day and age, any Angel Witch is better than no Angel Witch. And it's always great to hear activity from the camp, especially considering such NWOBHM stalwarts as Saxon and Raven continue to put out great stuff. No reason Angel Witch shouldn't, either. Last update from the website was a change of drummers, and the new album would be done at the end of the year. So - nothing in all probability until 2002.

Average customer rating:

Holy Crap!
A must own for Iron Maiden fans
another one you probably missed...
Very Good Album By Very Obscure Band
Cool, REALLY COOL !!!

Angel Witch
Angel Witch
Manufacturer: Castle Essential
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000HZB3
Release Date: 1999-02-09

Tracks:

Angel Witch
Atlantis
White Witch
Confused
Sorcerers
Gorgon
Sweet Danger
Free Man
Angel of Death
Devil's Tower
Loser [*]
Suffer [*]
Dr. Phibes [*]
Flight Nineteen [*]
Baphomet [*]
Hades Paradise [*]

Album Description

Digitally remastered reissue of the 1980 debut by quartetthat helped put the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal movementon the map. Features the original cover art, all 10 of thetracks that were included on the album when Roadrunner firstreleased it, plus six bonus tracks: 'Loser', 'Suffer', 'Dr.Phibes', 'Flight Nineteen', 'Baphomet' & 'Hades Paradise'.16 tracks total. Also features the original cover art. 1998Essential/ Castle release.

Customer Reviews:

Holy Crap!.......2005-04-10

This is essential for anyone who digs Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath or classic metla in general. Buy it!

A must own for Iron Maiden fans.......2005-01-17

After finally hearing Angel Witch's debut, its no wonder that Iron Maiden fans speak of this album highly! This is a classic NWOBHM disc that has all the tradmark NWOBHM sounds. My only regret was not trying the band soon as I was turned off by their rather silly band name. The music is great and the lyrics are catchy. Don't let their name and "satanic" image fool you, this is a great band and its a shame they weren't able to achieve the success as Iron Maiden. Some say this disc is even better than Maiden's debut. I can't decide but there's no denying the greatness of this disc. Make sure to pick up a remastered copy with bonus tracks as it makes the listening experience that much better.

another one you probably missed..........2005-01-07

as other reviewers have noted,angel witch contributed to the launching of the NWOBHM in the early 80's.they quickly faded into obscurity,which is a shame as they where awesome!!lots of riffs,great catchy choruses,"satanic" references - what more could you want??some of it does sound a bit dated to my ears,but in a way ADDS to the fun,remembering this was released in 1980!!so,taking into account the extra tracks,great liner notes and remastered songs,you should consider this ESSENTIAL

Very Good Album By Very Obscure Band.......2003-09-14

I originally bought this cd out of curiousity. I really enjoy the first 2 Iron Maiden albums and wanted to check out some more NWOBHM. This has a very similar sound to the early Maiden stuff, including a sort of gallop. Anyway, I would rate this in quality, as far as how good the material is, right behind Killers and the first self-titled Maiden album. Overall, I was pretty impressed. Also, I think Tenacious D may have borrowed their pics of Satan from the inside of this cd.

Cool, REALLY COOL !!!.......2001-09-13

LEd by guitarrist / singer Kevin Heybourne, this first ( and only one worthwhile) Angel Witch album is an amazing shjowmanship of heavy metal skill. The power trio is inspired, the songs are fast and well written, the vocals are good. In this album we have extra-tracks, most of them very good. In short, it's another case of "WHY THIS BAND DID NOT ACHIEVE SUCCESS AND THAT OTHER BAND ACHIEVED IT"?

Average customer rating:

Angel Witch - self-titled (Roadrunner Records)

Angel Witch
Angel Witch
Manufacturer: Roadrunner Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Angel Witch
Atlantis
White Witch
Confused
Sorcerers
Gorgon
Sweet Danger
Free Man
Angel of Death
Devil's Tower
Loser [*]
Suffer [*]
Dr. Phibes [*]

Customer Reviews:

Angel Witch - self-titled (Roadrunner Records).......2006-03-04

Without a doubt,Angel Witch's stunning,yet unbeatable 1980 debut record.I've always thought this hard rock classic has more than showcased the 'New Wave Of British Heavy Metal' era,and that it does.My favorites here have always been and will always be the band's namesake "Angel Witch","Atlantis","White Witch","Sorcerers" and "Gorgon".Comes with three bonus cuts,I'm assuming at least one of these tunes were from a 7" single I seem to remember hearing about.Enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Angel Witch - 'Sinister History' (Zoom Club)
Good for die-hard Angel Witch fans

Sinister History
Angel Witch
Manufacturer: Zoom Club
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000031WFG
Release Date: 2000-11-14

Tracks:

Baphomet
Sorceress
Extermination Day
Flight 19
Hades Paradise
Devil's Tower
White Witch
Into The Dark [Live]
Devil's Tower [Live]
Night Is Calling [Live]
Angel of Death [Live]
Confused [Live]
Evil Games [Live]

Album Description

Collection of unreleased demos & live material by this highly respected NWOBHM quartet. The first seven cuts are demo versions from 1978; the remaining six are live recordings from various shows in the U.K. in 1978 and 1981. 1999 release.

Customer Reviews:

Angel Witch - 'Sinister History' (Zoom Club).......2005-12-02

Angel Witch's story is like a total disaster.They're considered to be by some one of the most under-rated and under-appreciated bands from the 'New Wave Of British Heavy Metal' movement.I've read various good reviews about releases from this UK ensemble but I've come across vitually no fans of theirs.I mean,come on,someone out there has to be buying a few of their CD's.I know I have purchased a few.Anyway,founder/guitarist/vocalist Kevin Heybourne simply refuses to quit.Believe every few years Heybourne actually regroups with a 'new' line-up of Angel Witch.This disc isn't the best they have to offer,but it is a decent collection of demos of tunes from their first self-titled lp,like "Sorceress","Devil's Tower" and "White Witch" plus six(6)live cuts from various gigs they performed in their early years.Pretty much for die-hards.But,if you happen to be a new fan,what the heck!Give it a try - you never know.

Good for die-hard Angel Witch fans.......2003-10-16

One of the greatest NWOBHM bands to emerge from England in the early eighties was Kevin Heybourne's Angel Witch. These guys were one of the earliest melodic death metal groups, and their music was nothing short of excellent. Unfortunately, following the release of the group's first album, they continually went downhill and ultimately split up. Fortunately, the band released a collection of its early demos and live tracks. Read on for my review of one of them - Sinster History.

PROS:
-This album features some excellent live versions of tracks from the band's self-titled debut album, and some other similar tracks from the same era.
-The album also contains a variety of demo version tracks from very early in the band's career. It's quite interesting to compare these to the "final" versions.

CONS:
-Like all Angel Witch releases, this is extremely difficult to find. I almost guarantee you won't find this release in any store - I had to buy it here on Amazon.
-The demo and live versions of these Angel Witch classics are very nice, but for the most part, they fail to top their album counterparts. Don't buy this expecting these versions of the songs to be the best ones.
-Angel Witch (the song) and Atlantis, two of the band's best songs, don't appear on here in any shape or form. Since the former bares the band's name, it's a bit of a shock that there's no alternative version of it on here.

OVERALL:
This is a cool compilation, but it's for DIE-HARD ANGEL WITCH FANS ONLY. If you're new to the band, start with their 1980 self-titled debut album (but make sure you get the reissued version that has the bonus tracks.) Angel Witch is an excellent band, but this doesn't represent them nearly as well as it could have.

Average customer rating:

For hard-core NWOBHM enthusiasts only.

Angel Witch
Angel Witch
Manufacturer: Castle - Old Numbers
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
British Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00008XS2R
Release Date: 2003-04-29

Tracks:

Angel Witch
Atlantis
White Witch
Confused
Sorcerers
Gorgon
Sweet Danger
Free Man
Angel of Death
Devil's Tower
Loser [*]
Suffer [*]
Dr. Phibes [*]
Flight Nineteen [*]
Baphomet [*]
Hades Paradise [*]

Customer Reviews:

For hard-core NWOBHM enthusiasts only........2004-01-13

Angel Witch's self-titled debut album might appeal as a historical document to the hard-core fan of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, but it has little else to offer. Some cite it as an influence on the later sub-genres of black and death metal. I find it is hard to see how any metalhead found this record other than laughably bad.

Guitarist, vocalist, and all-around Angel Witch auteur Kevin Heybourne is proof that technical chops have nothing to do with the ability to create compelling songs. His noodling can't make up for chord progressions that sound as if they were chosen by rolling dice. Furthermore, Heybourne's lyrics are as silly and inept as heavy-metal lyrics come: "Nobody else can see you the same way as myself." Huh? Do you mean "the same way as I see you"? Why "myself"? He didn't make this awkward choice on the basis of rhyme or meter, since he seems to have heard of neither one. Worst of all, Heybourne couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. The man should never have been allowed near a microphone.

This album is less than the sum of its weak parts.

Music Track: